By Erik Harris
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Zach Cunningham entered Vanderbilt University’s football program in the Class of 2013 and has done nothing but exceed expectations in the Southeastern Conference.
Now a sophomore for the Commodores, Cunningham has recently been named the SEC’s Breakout Defender of the Year. The former Pinson Valley linebacker totaled 103 tackles, 16.5 of them for loss through the 2015 season. He also finished with 4.5 sacks to go along with four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
He ate up 194 tackles and 12 sacks for the Indians in 2012.
Cunningham joins Alabama’s Reggie Ragland and Missouri’s Kentrell Brothers as linebackers on ESPN’s 2015 All-SEC Team.
He is no stranger to making all-star teams. The former Pinson Valley standout was named to the 2013 Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State team. That same year he was awarded the ASWA 5A Lineman of the Year.
Erik Harris is the Sports Editor for the Trussville Tribune. Follow him on Twitter @jeharris2 or email him at jmseharris2@gmail.com.